The Eurocode 2 General Method reduced to the analysis of a critical section (MG1) relies on a strong assumption regarding the shape of the deformed configuration, which is often taken as sinusoidal. This sinusoidal form derives from the case of an elastic column subjected to a negligible first‑order effect, just sufficient to bring the column out of its unstable equilibrium state (y(x)=0) and generate an instability that leads to an increasing deformation until a stable equilibrium is reached.

In a case such as a pinned‑pinned column subjected to progressive axial loading and bending moments at different locations along its height, the sinusoidal model becomes very unrealistic. Using the General Method allows an exact global‑stability verification at ULS without any assumption on the shape of the deformation, and an SLS calculation of total and serviceability‑critical deformation, while satisfying all Eurocode 2 requirements.

This article also proposes an extrapolation of Eurocode 3 to define acceptable horizontal‑displacement criteria for this type of slender structure.

[Article to be published soon]

Eurocode 2 provides practical design and calculation methods applicable on the one hand to continuous and simply‑bent members such as beams and slabs, and on the other hand to axially‑compressed members supported at two ends, such as columns and walls. The points of attention differ and are specific to each case.

The case of an infrastructure slab acting as a strut lies at the intersection of these two canonical types of structural members: it is both slender and axially compressed with a significant first‑order moment, and at the same time continuous, sensitive to crack width and to deformation.

The Integral General Method can provide an appropriate framework for addressing these intermediate configurations and verifying all applicable Eurocode 2 criteria. This article presents the design of such a structure.

[Article to be published soon]

This article presents the benefits of a nonlinear approach for the analysis of reinforced concrete line elements, intended to determine the unique solution of the mechanical problem — when it exists — by enforcing flexural and axial deformation compatibility at every point along the member.

Inspired by the General Method and fully covered by Eurocode 2, this approach, referred to as the “Integral General Method” or IGM, opens up possibilities for analysing and optimising many common situations, from slender columns to continuous members in combined bending and compression.

Identify the vocabulary and the sequential logic “structural analysis → design of cross-sections” to better read and understand the code.

This article deciphers the precise semantics used in EC2 — analysis, design, actions, effects, mean and characteristic values — and shows how these definitions structure the entire code.

It clarifies the two-step process (structural analysis followed by cross‑section design) and describes the different regulatory material behaviour laws associated with each step.

This conceptual basis then makes it possible to understand the boundaries between the models involved, and in particular to address the issue of deformation compatibility.

This topic constitutes the first part of a series dedicated to the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams (1/4).

The material laws in EC2 vary between structural analysis and cross‑section design, incorporating different levels of physical complexity in the behaviour of concrete and steel depending on the objectives pursued.

This article details the different behaviour laws for concrete and steel, their distinct uses (structural analysis vs cross‑section design), and their limitations.

It explores how phenomena such as plastification, cracking, or even the tensile resistance of concrete are taken into account, and clarifies the safety factors and the possibilities for linearisation or other simplifications authorised by EC2 depending on the design step.

This topic is the second part of a series devoted to the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams (2/4).

In hyperstatic structures, deformation compatibility dictates the exact distribution of moments — a challenge that the simplified EC2 methods only partially address.

This article explains how a hyperstatic structure possesses, for each load case, a unique exact solution determined by the actual deformability of its sections and supports.

It shows that internal forces depend closely on varying stiffness, reinforcement layout, progressive cracking and plastification, making the EC2 sequential approach sometimes insufficient.
It also explores the conditions for nonlinear analysis, enabling the limitations of the “structural analysis → cross‑section design” framework to be overcome.

This topic constitutes the third part of a series dedicated to the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams (3/4).

Elastic structural analysis, limited redistribution, and plastic analysis. Study on an example, verification of ductility, and the limits of these models

This article presents the four structural analysis methods proposed by Eurocode 2 for continuous beams, and shows how simplified approaches (elastic, limited redistribution, plastic) deliberately bypass the pursuit of the exact solution.

It explains the mechanisms of hinge formation, the conditions for valid redistribution, the verification of plastic rotation capacity, and the biases of linear models when cracking and stiffness loss become predominant.
Finally, it highlights possible discrepancies between simplified analysis and actual behaviour, especially regarding deflection, second‑order effects, and redistribution at SLS.

This topic is the final part of our series dedicated to the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams (4/4).

Analysis of a little‑known axial phenomenon: the elongation of simply‑bent RC beams under gravity loads, a direct consequence of reinforced‑concrete behaviour.

This article introduces the first axial effect observable in flexural reinforced‑concrete elements: the elongation of simply‑bent beams under gravity loads.
This phenomenon—often overlooked despite being non‑negligible—results directly from the fundamental behaviour of reinforced concrete, especially once cracking develops. Understanding it is essential before rigorously addressing the effects of thermal expansion and shrinkage.
It forms the first part of the series “Axial behaviour of flexural reinforced‑concrete elements” (1/4).